Young person smiling and ripping up learner driver L Plate

Young people in Nottinghamshire will have the chance to learn safer driving tips thanks to new safer driving sessions that have been launched for schools, colleges, and centres for vocational training across the county.

These classroom-based sessions, developed and delivered by Via East Midlands in partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council, are aimed at all Year 12 and 13 students, whether they are already driving, learning to drive, or a passenger with friends.

The sessions are delivered as hour-long workshops, during which the experienced Via Safer Highways team will cover four important modules: reducing speed, avoiding distraction, using seatbelts, and not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A variety of engaging videos and tasks explore themes such as how multitasking affects concentration while driving and being sure not to drive over the limit the morning after drinking. 

During the workshops, Via’s aim is to avoid placing the emphasis on the consequences of driving over the limit or driving while distracted but instead to highlight useful strategies to prevent the situation from developing. Students will be asked to come up with these strategies, aiming to avoid being involved in any of these difficult situations identified within the workshops.

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “Driving is a significant milestone in the lives of young adults, and therefore it is our responsibility to make sure they are equipped with the very best skills, knowledge, and expertise to travel the roads safely and responsibly.

“These training sessions offer a unique approach to driver education, placing the focus on teaching proven methods and strategies to prevent young drivers from experiencing dangerous situations out and about on the road network."

Suzanne Heydon, Network Management Director of Via East Midlands, added: “Our safer driving sessions are part of Via and Nottinghamshire County Council’s ongoing efforts to positively influence driving behaviours across Nottinghamshire and shape the next generation of responsible road users.”